Woman sentenced for hitting Allentown toddler with car, then fleeing

The woman who admitted hitting a toddler in Allentown with a car and then driving off seemed upset as she heard from the victim's grandmother today in court.

The sound of sobs came from April Frame as she heard Karen Hamm describe watching her 3-year-old granddaughter get struck by Frame's car after leaving Hamm's house.

"I witnessed everything. It's something I will never erase from my mind," a tearful Hamm said. "She is a strong little girl ... she's a miracle."

Annabelle Ruth suffered potentially life-threatening injuries and was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Hamm previously said her granddaughter walks with a limp and is slowly learning to speak again.

But as Frame's noises became louder, Lehigh County Judge Maria Dantos said there were no tears coming from her eyes.

"Stop and let this woman speak," Dantos said.

Frame, of the 1300 block of Marlow Street in Salisbury Township, was before Dantos to be sentenced for accidents involving death or injury — fleeing the scene. Under the plea deal, Frame knew she would serve at least nine months in prison; she has been free on $50,000 bail.

The maximum sentence was left up to Dantos, who told Hamm she was so glad the little girl was improving and was so sorry their family had to go through this.

"She was fortunate you were there to help her," Dantos said.

The judge was sterner when she dealt with Frame, noting a probation official said in a presentence report that Frame gave false information about her schooling, drug use and employment.

"It is unclear what the truth is when speaking to the defendant," Dantos said